Ford adds race-ready TracKey to Mustang Boss 302

[Paul_Heery]

I know it's not a well-sorted 944, but this makes things interesting:

Ford adds race-ready TracKey to Mustang Boss 302, leaves no doubt about who's in charge -- Engadget

2012 MUSTANG BOSS 302 LETS LOOSE WITH TRACKEY; CHOOSE STOCK OR FULL-RACE CALIBRATION

TracKey, available for 2012 Mustang Boss 302 owners through Ford dealers, adds TracMode powertrain control software to the car for track use, providing full race calibration and two-stage launch control in addition to stock calibration, without compromising factory warranty
Using a dual-path powertrain control module (PCM), TracKey software is installed after the vehicle is purchased; accessed by a specially programmed vehicle key, new code coexists with stock Boss software, allowing drivers to choose between street or track use simply by selecting a key
No aftermarket chips or permanent modifications are made when TracKey is used, allowing owners to return to the stock setting by starting the car with a regular key

You hold two keys: One has a black Boss logo, the other red: Either will start your 2012 Mustang Boss 302. Slide the all-black key into the lock cylinder, give it a twist and you're treated to 444 ponies worth of smooth, streetable driving joy. Or choose red - the TracKey - and you have a competition-ready track car.
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DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 11, 2010 – You hold two keys: One has a black Boss logo, the other red: Either will start your 2012 Mustang Boss 302. Slide the all-black key into the lock cylinder, give it a twist and you're treated to 444 ponies worth of smooth, streetable driving joy. Or choose red – the TracKey – and you have a competition-ready track car.

A joint project between Mustang engineers and Ford Racing, TracKey adds a second set of powertrain control module (PCM) software to a customer's Mustang Boss 302, activated by a specially programmed vehicle key. When invoked by TracKey, the new TracMode software alters more than 200 engine management parameters, increasing low-end torque and turning the potent but well-mannered stock Boss into a competition-ready track car. Remove TracKey and start Boss with the standard key, and all factory engine settings are restored for a comfortable drive home from the course.

"From an engine management standpoint, we've done just about everything possible to give TracKey users a full race car experience," explains Jeff Seaman, Mustang powertrain engineer. "It's not for use on the street – for example, the deceleration is set up to preserve the brakes, and the throttle response is very aggressive. A skilled driver on a closed course will really appreciate the benefits."

As part of the TracKey software package, Ford engineers also devised a two-stage launch control feature similar to that used on the Cobra Jet race car. Using a combination of steering wheel buttons, drivers can set the tach needle to a desired launch rpm. Floor the throttle and the engine will rev to the preset rpm until the clutch is released, helping aid acceleration and vehicle control from a standing start.

One key, hundreds of changes
Devised during an all-night garage brainstorming session among core Mustang team members, TracKey introduces the concept known as the dual-path powertrain control module. The industry-first, patent-pending innovation allows two separate sets of engine management software to exist on a single PCM, selected through the existing SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) transceiver found in current production keys.

The TracKey PCM software, installed by an authorized Ford dealer after a customer takes delivery of the car, adjusts variable cam timing, spark maps, engine braking, fuel control and other engine parameters – more than 200 in total – to provide a complete race car calibration. The result is an aggressive, race-bred driving experience all the way down to the lopey idle rumbling through the Boss quad exhaust.

"Anything that could possibly affect all-out performance is deleted from the TracKey calibration," said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. "Throttle limiting and torque management – any daily driveability enhancements are removed and replaced with a pure Ford Racing competition calibration."

When TracKey is removed and the vehicle is started with the standard key, the PCM settings are automatically drawn from the factory Boss 302 instruction set again without any additional modifications needed – a huge advantage over aftermarket tuning chips and ECU reprogramming. The convenience is useful for enthusiasts who want all-out performance at the racetrack but stock driveability for the journey there and back.

An after-hours obsession
In the early stages of TracKey development, a major challenge was the complexity of installing multiple PCM computers and switching between them. However, Ford controls engineers developed a method to choose between two unique sets of software in a single powertrain control module on the Boss 302: The dual-path PCM was born.

"We installed the 302R software on the same PCM that held the stock Boss software," says Seaman. "Then the controls engineers developed a software system to activate one or the other, depending upon which key was used to start the vehicle. Really, all the parts to make this work existed – the Ford MyKey® system was already using the PATS transceiver to perform specific actions based on the key used to start the car, and the PCM was flexible enough to handle multiple control modules. It was just putting everything together."

As the project unfolded, the team was driven by the uniqueness of what they were trying to accomplish, and TracKey became an obsession. Considering the compressed time frame in which the technology was developed, motivation was essential to the creation of the finished product.

"We've all been really excited about TracKey, so it came together quickly," explained Pericak. "The concept was first discussed in spring 2009, and here we are 18 months later with a finished, tested, verified product. It's a perfect example of what can happen when you get a core, cross-functional team willing to contribute 24/7 to bring a great idea to life."

TracKey powertrain software installation and key programming will be available to 2012 Mustang Boss 302 owners through Ford Racing authorized dealers. Pricing will be announced at a later date.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 163,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit Ford Motor Company: Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Hybrids, Parts - Ford.

[stomachmonkey]

Nice to see a manufacturer doing stuff like this that does not void the warranty.

Nissan could learn from it.

[gtc]

BMW's been doing the same thing for a while with their "M" button. But of course you have to know how to program the computer for the settings you want.

Ah... now I see why Ford just uses a different key.

[Tobra]

Good idea, valet key that detunes the car automatically, as if I would give my car to a valet parking monkey.

Black key would be the one to give the offspring if you deign to let them drive it.

[pwd72s]

"Pricing will be announced at a later date"

Also no word on warranty...

I'm speculating that with additional dealer markups, this car may price out with the base Corvette and the BMW M3.

The demand may not be as high as Ford hopes.

[jyl]

I notice they say the black key gives 444 HP but never do mention what the red key gives. I am skeptical. As long as the use of the red key doesn't void the warranty or violate emissions laws, and assuming the Mustang is already tuned for performance, what changes could they make that would - significantly - raise HP or TQ or rev limit?

[Jim Bremner]

Originally Posted by jyl

I notice they say the black key gives 444 HP but never do mention what the red key gives. I am skeptical. As long as the use of the red key doesn't void the warranty or violate emissions laws, and assuming the Mustang is already tuned for performance, what changes could they make that would - significantly - raise HP or TQ or rev limit?

No extra HP it changes the way the engine comes in on throttle, it's snapier. Off throttle it allows greater torque braking. Around town it would be herky jerky

[Brando]

I think it should be called the PlaceboKey.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by jyl

I notice they say the black key gives 444 HP but never do mention what the red key gives. I am skeptical. As long as the use of the red key doesn't void the warranty or violate emissions laws, and assuming the Mustang is already tuned for performance, what changes could they make that would - significantly - raise HP or TQ or rev limit?

I noticed that too....bad writing perhaps?

That's a really cool idea. But, bad for stop light racing...."wait, let me switch keys and restart". LOL

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

I noticed that too....bad writing perhaps?

That's a really cool idea. But, bad for stop light racing...."wait, let me switch keys and restart". LOL

Yep, Funny. Guys on the Bullitt & other Mustang boards have already written that they'd consider the black key to be the Valet & smog test key...

But really, no need...the black key setup is enough to handle anything through the M3...

And still a straight axle! I would love to see ford do an independent rear axle. That and some suspension setup. HP is already there.

[pwd72s]

Why should they? With the straight axle, they already do better on a skid pad than most IRS cars.

Plus, they don't sell Mustangs to just the road race guys...and the "straight axle"
is a much better set up if track day means 1/4 mile...

Oh...they did IRS in the Cobra...late 90's. It didn't work as well as hoped.

[Z-man]

straight axle cars do just fine on road course racetracks, as long as the corners aren't too bumpy: like the old Lime Rock.

For the tracks I frequent (Lime Rock, Monticello, Watkins Glen, NJMP, Summit Point, VIR, Mid-Ohio), the Boss 302 would give a Carrera a run for it's money, and possibly keep up with them pesky 996 GT3's that I play with, if one does a little suspension work and puts on some sticky tires (R888's, R6's...etc). All for something a lot less than a Carrera.

Hmm - dare I cross over to the dark side like pwd did?!?

-Z-man.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by Z-man

straight axle cars do just fine on road course racetracks, as long as the corners aren't too bumpy: like the old Lime Rock.

For the tracks I frequent (Lime Rock, Monticello, Watkins Glen, NJMP, Summit Point, VIR, Mid-Ohio), the Boss 302 would give a Carrera a run for it's money, and possibly keep up with them pesky 996 GT3's that I play with, if one does a little suspension work and puts on some sticky tires (R888's, R6's...etc). All for something a lot less than a Carrera.

Hmm - dare I cross over to the dark side like pwd did?!?

-Z-man.

Warning: Don't drive a 5.0 Mustang with track pak (brembos...bigger wheels..3:73 rear end)

[Oh Haha]

I saw 3 new Mustangs on the highway today. Pretty sure one of them was a Boss. They had manufacturer's plates and were running together(not fast). I don't have a camera phone or you know I would have gotten a pic for you guys.

They turned off into a rest area and I couldn't follow them.

[Reg]

Paul (or anyone) - have you driven the 2011 V6 Mustang? I'd love to drive the 5.0 but V6 might still be fun. I'd like to hear some impressions if anyone has one.

[legion]

I believe you can get an independent rear on the Roush Mustang.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by Reg

Paul (or anyone) - have you driven the 2011 V6 Mustang? I'd love to drive the 5.0 but V6 might still be fun. I'd like to hear some impressions if anyone has one.

It's a Mustang. If i comes in V8, the 6 simply does not exist.

My DD is a BMW. I bought it new and got the 325 since I couldn't fork over the additional $4500 for the 330. But for a Mustang, No Way could I allow myself to get the 6...not a chance.

(I'm sure its very nice however. )

[Reg]

Steve I hear you - but it still is 300+hp. Is the car that heavy that it will be a dog?

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by Reg

Paul (or anyone) - have you driven the 2011 V6 Mustang? I'd love to drive the 5.0 but V6 might still be fun. I'd like to hear some impressions if anyone has one.

Haven't driven one. The magazine & internet testers rave about the new 305 horsepower Mustang V-6. What's not to like about 305 horsepower plus a 31 mpg. rating?

But a confession...I just like the V-8 sound. And the 5.0 V-8 is 412 horsepower.